Has anyone tried to run levels with a laser level? Looking for a faster way to run levels (esp. Fema cert) as a one man crew. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
I've done it at a work site with short sight distances to maintain precision. Seems like a major pain in the behind to do it all by yourself for any extended distances.
Robot/Total Station with tribrachs front & back work very well for me in a solo situation.
Also GPS sent to OPUS works quite well and is used to confirm my level run.
If you get one try to stick with a Leica or Trimble as they seem to be pretty conservative about their specs... for example the Leica Rugby series is rated @ +/- 1/16 @ 100' but I can usually calibrate them and have them repeat to +/-1/32 @100'. Just check them often if you want extreme accuracy.
I have a Topcon RL-H3C, and love it. I consistently get level loops out of it for exactly what you are talking about 0.02' or less.
I will generally use static GPS to bring in elevations from known benchmarks, cross check that with OPUS, and then run my level loop around the house, with all the required sideshots in the process.
I set my level to fine mode, and keep my distances short. I am also solo, so I know the instrument is not abused.
It's a great tool to have, but is not the answer to everything. I would not try to run a long level loop with it as far as coming in from a benchmark very far away. I would think that would be quicker using a helper.
Good luck!
Me and my Topcon have run trig levels (2 direct-2 reverse) for years without busting loop. Works great.
I have a Pacific Laser Systems laser for close up stuff. It is based on a plumb-hanging laser. I have, without a doubt, the tightest hedge line in the hood.
Trig leveling takes way too long! I only have a robot with external radios, don't have a small, light total station. Takes to long to set it up, tear down, move ahead, set up, etc. Right now I am using pole clamps for two level rods clamped to tripods, and my trusty old Leica NA2. Way Faster than traversing with a robot, that's for sure, but still not anywhere near efficiency! I normally hire a kid for the day when I have a days worth of leveling, but thats not very often. I have also used my gps to transfer elevations in certain instances, which is great. Just looking for more efficiency for solo operation.
I think you and I have discussed this before. I may give you ca call to talk more about this.
Thanks
Steve,
Call anytime, if for some reason I do not answer, leave a message and I will call you back. The office number is 901-837-62 seven three.
Jimmy
> Looking for a faster way to run levels...
You can run a differential level run almost as fast as you can walk....how much faster do you want to go?
I just bring the wife along to hold the level rod. She works for free. At least I keep trying to convince myself of that... ;-/
My other half moves the rod, keeps the FS and BS balanced by pacing and likes it, even knows why I ask her to rock the rod. Normally she runs the total station and I am on the rod but prefers the rod when running a level loop.
jud
This method works good! Jp
The Topcon Laser Level RL-H4C will work for you. Make sure you have a good tripod and grade rod thats long enough for range elevations you plan to shoot. Or be ready to set some benchmarks along the way and you should be fine.